Other members of the delegation included two additional secretaries, a Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Education, a Chief of Division of the Planning Commission, and ten senior faculty members of five Engineering and Technology Universities of the country, along with a member of UGC and its Director of Planning. It may be mentioned that immediately after Sk Hasina formed the government in 2008, the government took up as a priority to enhance the research and teaching capabilities of all the public universities of the country with emphasis on science, engineering, and technological skill development through research. Five technology based universities, including BUET were selected as pioneering universities under the new initiative and an amount of $20 million were allocated from the government fund. It was decided to establish five new departments in these universities namely, glass and ceramics; petroleum and mining; leather; technology; and textiles. The delegation explored the possibilities of collaborative research, faculty, and student exchange and enhancing the research capabilities of the laboratories of the universities of Bangladesh. They visited three universities, five research organisations, discussed issues of mutual interest with key persons, and agreed on steps to be taken to move the initiative forward. All concerned agreed to work together to improve the science and technology education in Bangladesh. On the final day, the team had an extended meeting with Dr Takao Toda, Director General; Human Development Department of JICA; and his senior colleagues at its Headquarters. Dr Toda expressed JICA’s willingness to continue its assistance to the qualitative improvement of Higher Education in Bangladesh, and work together to move forward as a key Development Partner of Bangladesh. The team briefed the Bangladesh Ambassador, Rabab Fatima in Japan in her office. The delegation has already returned to Bangladesh.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
